I test drove a 2004 RX least evening. I dont know if this is an isolated incident or if they are all like this one. I really didnt like it much at all,yes it has more bells and whistles,automatic tailgate,auto wipers,etc.etc. And yes I like the newer body style,but in my opinion it seemed cheaply built compared to my RX. Even down to closing the doors it didnt have that quality sound upon closing. The Ride was ok,the power didnt seem to be any more than what I have,even the power locks had a cheaper sound when activated. Overall I am not impressed at all. Looks Like I`ll have my 01 for quite a while. BTW the 04 only had 68,000 miles on it.

 

Many years ago, I think about September 2003 or so, I took a test drive of the 2004 RX330. The one thing that stood out to me was the improved turning radius. It also felt like I was in a tank more than a car (the latter I feel with my RX300). I didn't see much of a boost in power either. As I have said before in one of my reviews of the 2010 RX, I think that has finally gotten a better sense of what I wanted in an RX (meaning I probably wouldn't have to mod too much like I have with my RX300).

One of my neighbors has an RX330 and I sometimes take a close look at it, but I still believe I did the right thing in holding on to my RX300.

I think what also scared me was the rear of the 330. I still think the 300 rear is one of the best rears ever put on a vehicle and it's the thing that first attracted me to this vehicle.

 

That is so funny, The rear is what I didnt like on the RX300, Though I like it now...I am with you Lexmex, Hanging on to this car for awhile. Just installed the Motorola HF850 Bluetooth. So My wifes ride continues with the updates....165k miles and away we go.

 

maybe try an rx350 instead?

i like the rear of the 2nd gen rx also... but also for the slight increase in cargo space (which i could have used last weekend hauling a trellis home... sigh). i know this because i had ordered a weathertech cargo tray for our 300 and they mistakenly sent me one for a 330/350 and it was exactly the same in width, but had greater length.

 

IMO the RX350 is worse. But i really like my RX330 and to date, i think its the best car i have owned, switched up from a 1999 RX300. I just like the new styling better and of course the interior bits, you cant even compare. Nav, design, bells and whistles as you say was worth it to 'upgrade'

power will not feel much different as the RX300 produces 15 less horsepower than the 330.

 

worse in what sense? poorer quality? bad drivetrain?

 

just my personal opinion. Im sorry but i dont really like how the 350s were assembled in Canada. I prefer my 330 which was built in Japan. the sound of the doors closing tells all

 

ouch. i happen to be canadian you know

 

lol sorry, nothing on the people of Canada. you have to admit there is a certain panache with Japan. My family has been a strong supporter of the nation in terms of technology, from buying on Sony products, to now their cars.